Wednesday, September 24, 2008

God gives blueprint for effective communication

Have you ever thought to look to the Bible for communication training?

As a professional communicator it is easy to take for granted some of the rules of engagement. We all know how to reach an audience. We'd like to think we can be agile enough to act and react to get our messages across. There are countless resources available via education, journals, books, newsletters, on-the-job training, trial and error etc.

Before last Sunday it had never occurred to me to look in the Bible for communication wisdom.

The inevitability of communication

You are always communicating something. Consider the following: Words are powerful. Reckless words pierce like the sword. Nonverbal cues are always pervasive.

A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart — he always stirs up dissension. (Proverbs 12-14, NIV)

On Listening

He who answers before listening — that is his folly and his shame. (Proverbs 18:13, NIV)

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (James 1:19-20)

On Affirmation

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4)

A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word! (Proverbs 15:23, NIV)

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21, NIV)

Be Honest. Listen. You cannot not communicate. Relationships will thrive in encouraging environments. Are these themes that can help in your professional life?